Does Everyone Around Here Really Have Allergies?

The Role of Allergies in Nasal and Sinus Disease

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." And yes, many sinus sufferers are plagued by allergies. There are many reasons which explain why our noses and sinuses are clogged up so often in the Ohio River Valley.

We often hear in the news or on the radio how high the pollen counts are today. Varying estimates are that approximately 40% of Americans suffer at one time or the other from upper airway allergies. The two peak seasons are the spring time -- grass and tree pollens -- and the fall time -- weeds. The less spectacular, but more common allergies are due to dust and molds, and are seen year-round, especially when allergy sufferers are stuck indoors during the winter months. Animal dander sensitivities will affect us year-round, if we are sensitive and exposed.

Common hay fever symptoms are sneezing, itchy eyes, clear, watery nasal drainage, scratchy throat, itchy skin or ears. The eyes may seem swollen. Purple "allergic shiners" may be seen under the eyes, especially in children. These symptoms are seen with acute, seasonal rhinitis (nasal inflammation), or hay fever.

Other year-round allergy symptoms may be stuffy nose, thick nasal drainage, cough, or facial pressure associated with the stuffy nose. Ears may become clogged or filled with fluid. Fullness and ringing may occur in the ears. These symptoms are seen with dust, mold, and dander allergies. These types of allergies give rise to more constant, less severe, but just as disabling symptoms, and are called chronic perennial (year-round) rhinitis.

These symptoms are best treated with avoidance of the suspected allergen, or medications if the symptoms are severe or chronic. Antihistamine tablets or nose sprays, oral decongestant tablets, mucus-loosening expectorants, and steroid nose sprays are often prescribed to treat these symptoms. Many over-the-counter cold or allergy medicines are also available. [Please see the information on nasal and sinus medicines for a more complete discussion of options]

If your symptoms do not respond well to medicines, or medicines are being used regularly to help relieve symptoms, then consider being tested for allergy sensitivities. The Sinus Center^TM offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of allergies of the nose and sinuses. We offer skin testing, a screen blood test, and complete allergy
treatment with antigen / allergen extracts, if your disease requires. Treatment consists of environmental control, avoidance, medications, or allergy immunotherapy. If you suspect allergies are affecting you, please contact us at one of our convenient locations listed at the left about further evaluation at The Sinus Center^TM.